Support into employment
There are many organisations that can help and support young people when leaving compulsory or further education and transitioning into employment.
Local job centres can help with job searches, training opportunities and advice on benefits, including universal credit.
Jobcentre Plus is a government-funded employment agency and social security office whose aim is to help people of working age find employment in the UK. They can provide information with training and employment opportunities. Jobcentre Plus also administers claims for benefits such as income support, incapacity benefit and jobseeker's allowance. Young people with SEND can also get advice on reasonable adjustment from their disability employer advisor (DEA) at their local job centre.
Access to Work provides support for people over the age of 16 with a disability or health condition who are starting or in paid employment. The support provided will be based on individual need, and may include support through a job coach, and help with transport and/or specialised equipment. Access to work support is also available for students accessing a traineeship or a supported internship.
Other support for adults who are in work
‘Able future’ and Remploy provide mental health advice and guidance for adults who are in work.
Enable is part of Shropshire Council and supports people who need a little extra help to find, secure and retain employment. It has a team of supported employment specialists who work in a person-centred way to support people throughout their employment journey. This looks different for each individual but some of the ways we can help are...
- Helping to identify job goals that suit the individual’s needs and interests
- Preparation for work
- Interview skills
- Job searching
- The application process
- Approaching employers
- Continuing support once in work
- Job retention support if needed in their existing job
- Assessing risks
- Job coaching when required – this is active, in-work support to people from day one of a job, supporting the employee and providing a valuable link for the employer
Please visit the Enable Services website for more information, or if you'd like to talk to someone about help with employment please phone 01743 276900.
The British Association for Supported Employment gives further advice and support on how the SEND reforms can benefit those people 'training in employment'.